Thank you very much, talented young musicians! That was really inspirational and wonderful.

My name is Nozomu Takaoka Consul General of Japan in Edinburgh. Actually, I am very fortunate and privileged to have enjoyed the great performance of the renowned Ayreshire Fiddle Orchestra four times in total, at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, in the Orangery in Alloway, at the Broomhall House in Dunfermline and tonight.

Therefore, I can confidently say that their tour in Japan will be a great success. Their passion will surely be recognized and appreciated by the Japanese audience.

I would also like to highly appreciate the spiritual and political significance of this tour because they will perform, not just in Tokyo, Yokohama and Kyoto, but also in Hiroshima. I have heard that they will play in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and dedicate two winning illustrations of Peaceful Town art project by Morven and Sean.

Even though 74 years have passed since the end of World War II, I believe in our current global political climate, this message of peace is more important than ever. The next piece “Lament for the Children of Hiroshima” will be a powerful reminder of that fact.
Lastly, I would like to thank Provost Helen Mooney and Orchestra’s Director, Euan Terrace for their thoughtfulness and leadership in realizing the tour and today’s event as well as proud citizens of the South Ayreshire community for your invaluable support to send these great young ambassadors to Japan promoting further friendship between Scotland and Japan.

Thank you very much once again and let me wish the Orchestra all the best for the upcoming Tour.
Thank you for your attention,.